Complete a monthly finance review (books reviewed and closed each month)

Reviewing your finances once a month is how problems get caught while they're small. Fifteen minutes a month keeps you in control instead of being surprised by your bank balance.

Do this

1. Pick a set day each month (e.g. the 1st) and put it on your calendar.
2. Check three things: income, expenses, and profit for the month.
3. Ask: what was higher or lower than expected, and why?
4. Write down one money action for next month.

Monthly Money Review (15 min)

• Total income for the month
• Total expenses for the month
• Profit = income − expenses
• Biggest surprise (good or bad) and why
• One money action to take next month